Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a non-profit regional law firm that provides high quality legal assistance in civil matters to help eligible low-income individuals and groups in western Ohio achieve self reliance, and equal justice and economic opportunity.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is a crime. Help is available, and you can learn more by clicking here. Abuse of an older adult can happen in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult group homes, and other long-term care facilities. Abuse from a caregiver can also occur in private homes.
The National Center on Elder Abuse has estimated that more than one million seniors suffer abuse or neglect each year, many while in nursing homes.
What is elder abuse and neglect?
- Abuse is the willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, isolation, intimidation, or punishment that results in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.
- Neglect occurs when a person knowingly fails to provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm or mental anguish. Neglect includes withholding food, hydration, or hygiene.
- Sexual abuse includes non-consensual sexual contact.
- Financial exploitation is a form of abuse and includes taking control of an individual’s financial resources through misrepresentation, coercion, or theft.